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Exclusive by Joe Willis, Regional Chief Reporter

HUNDREDS of North-East parents have been fined for pulling their children out of school for a family holiday, an investigation by The Northern Echo has found.

More than 850 families in the region have been issued with fixed penalty notices since September when new rules were introduced clamping down on term-time breaks.

Although it is understood the majority of parents have paid the fine, others are refusing to pay and are facing court action.

For taking their child out of school without authorisation each parent faces a £60 fine per child, with the penalty notices rising to £120 per parent per child if not paid within 21 days.

If parents refuse to pay, magistrates have the power to impose a three-month prison sentence and a fine of up to £2,000.

The Echo investigation revealed wide discrepancies across the region with some authorities issuing hundreds of penalty notices and others not handing out any.

In Darlington, 48 fixed penalty notices have been issued since September.

So far, 22 parents have paid up, but 12 have not paid and are facing prosecution at the town's magistrates court.

North Yorkshire County Council has issued 328 penalty notices for unauthorised absence during the current school year, while Durham County Council has issued 110.

Elsewhere in the region, Stockton Council issued 130 notices between September and the end of June.

Up until July 1, Middlesbrough Council had issued 111 penalty notices - 49 for unauthorised absence and 62 for unauthorised leave of absence taken in term time.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has issued 135 penalty notices for attendance issues since September.

Of these, 127 were in respect of unauthorised leave of absence for holidays.

Sunderland Council said it had not issued any fixed penalty notices, however 81 fines had been handed out by Sunderland magistrates for unauthorised absence

Councillor Pat Smith, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "We use a range of measures working alongside schools to improve pupil attendance which includes the enforcement options available to all local authorities.

"Attendance figures in our schools continue to rise as a result of our partnership approach with families and parents and no fixed penalty notices were issued last year."

Sharon and Ronald Temple, from Darlington, were fined £120 under the old rules after taking their children Kaitlyn and Emily out of West Park Academy for a family holiday in Florida in 2012.

Undeterred, they are planning another term-time holiday in the US this year.

Mrs Temple, 43, said parents could not always get the time off work to fit in with school holidays and they should be allowed to take their own children out of school if they wanted.

She added: "We believe that quality time with your family is much more important than missing five days of school.

"The fine is now per child, per parent but even if we are fined £240 it's better than paying an extra £2,500 to go in the holidays.

"Last time we filled in the form but they refused permission so we went anyway."

Head teachers previously had the discretion to allow up to ten days off every school year in special circumstances.

However, parents can now only take their children out of school in exceptional circumstances.

The policy has proved unpopular with families who have been prevented from taking advantage of cheaper holidays during school term time.

Vince Allen, principal officer for the Northern region at the National Union of Teachers, said the rules had been introduced without any proper consultation with teachers or education professionals.

He added: "It's an unwieldy and unnecessary piece of legislation.

"Schools are completely capable of taking proper decisions and executing their discretion - that discretion has been taken away from them."

But the Department for Education said the policy was helping to reduce absenteeism.

A spokeswoman added: "Evidence shows allowing pupils to regularly miss school can be hugely detrimental to a child’s education.

"The most recent full-year figures show we are making progress, with 130,000 fewer pupils regularly missing school under this government.

“We recognise that many parents struggle with high holiday costs. We are giving all schools the freedom to set their own term dates so they can set holidays outside of peak times. Parents can urge schools to make use of this new freedom."

Totally agree, they disrupt parents lives when they feel hard do a to but strikng and it's not as if it's a one off it's being going on for decades, most parents can't take holidays willy nilly and have to take them when companies allow them to, teachers on the other hand know when their holidays are so can hook them without fear....

Totally agree, they disrupt parents lives when they feel hard do a to but strikng and it's not as if it's a one off it's being going on for decades, most parents can't take holidays willy nilly and have to take them when companies allow them to, teachers on the other hand know when their holidays are so can hook them without fear....DP20

Totally agree, they disrupt parents lives when they feel hard done to by striking and it's not as if it's a one off it's been going on for decades, most parents can't take holidays willy nilly and have to take them when companies allow them to, teachers on the other hand know when their holidays are so can book them without fear....

Totally agree, they disrupt parents lives when they feel hard done to by striking and it's not as if it's a one off it's been going on for decades, most parents can't take holidays willy nilly and have to take them when companies allow them to, teachers on the other hand know when their holidays are so can book them without fear....DP20

Next time were on holiday, I'll be taking the kids out of school that is for sure. Not paying over inflated prices again, rather get the fine. Although with staff training days, random strikes and school closers I must be owed a fortune

Next time were on holiday, I'll be taking the kids out of school that is for sure. Not paying over inflated prices again, rather get the fine. Although with staff training days, random strikes and school closers I must be owed a fortuneKev281181

Given the way travel firms hike prices during school holidays it makes it almost impossible for working class families to children on holiday other than during term time.

With that in mind surely a tory government havent brought in a policy that is to the detriment of the working class man..... Surely not?

Given the way travel firms hike prices during school holidays it makes it almost impossible for working class families to children on holiday other than during term time.
With that in mind surely a tory government havent brought in a policy that is to the detriment of the working class man..... Surely not?Risk555

When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom

When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroomthehogman

I think its a discrace that parents are not allowed to take their children out of school for a holiday - fair enough for older kids who are working towards exams but what harm would there be to take a primary school child out for a week if they have otherwise good attendance? I've booked a family holiday for August this year and its costing us a fortune - the exact same holiday in July would be nearly £1000 less so next year I'll be going in July and let them fine me, I'll still be saving a fortune - or maybe our 'wonderful' government can do something about the grossly inflated prices we get charged in school holidays? oh thought not!

I think its a discrace that parents are not allowed to take their children out of school for a holiday - fair enough for older kids who are working towards exams but what harm would there be to take a primary school child out for a week if they have otherwise good attendance? I've booked a family holiday for August this year and its costing us a fortune - the exact same holiday in July would be nearly £1000 less so next year I'll be going in July and let them fine me, I'll still be saving a fortune - or maybe our 'wonderful' government can do something about the grossly inflated prices we get charged in school holidays? oh thought not!kelly_0980

thehogman wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom

Where do some parents find the additional £1000 to take a holiday in August? And can you guarantee that their employers will let them have the time off in school hols?

[quote][p][bold]thehogman[/bold] wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom[/p][/quote]Where do some parents find the additional £1000 to take a holiday in August? And can you guarantee that their employers will let them have the time off in school hols?kelly_0980

This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.

This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.Working Smoggy

I'm not wanting to take this down the anti-travellers route , but at my daughters school, the attendance levels from certain traveller children is very poor. Doctors/consultants who work at the hospital go back to the Middle East countries or weeks on end with their children and take them out of school.
My point is, if they fine me for taking my child out of school, then so long as there is parity amongsts all nationalities, creeds and cultures, then that's I can accept that. However, I can 100% gaurentee that this will not be happening!!

I'm not wanting to take this down the anti-travellers route , but at my daughters school, the attendance levels from certain traveller children is very poor. Doctors/consultants who work at the hospital go back to the Middle East countries or weeks on end with their children and take them out of school.
My point is, if they fine me for taking my child out of school, then so long as there is parity amongsts all nationalities, creeds and cultures, then that's I can accept that. However, I can 100% gaurentee that this will not be happening!!Mackam

Working Smoggy wrote:
This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.

Teachers had no say in this law.

[quote][p][bold]Working Smoggy[/bold] wrote:
This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.[/p][/quote]Teachers had no say in this law.studio

thehogman wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom

Guess you have a job that allows holidays during the school holiday time? there are many of us where that is not an option. I work away from home, I left home late May and will not return until early September so tell me how I get a summer holiday out of term time. So come on wake up smell the coffee and get in the real world.

[quote][p][bold]thehogman[/bold] wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom[/p][/quote]Guess you have a job that allows holidays during the school holiday time? there are many of us where that is not an option. I work away from home, I left home late May and will not return until early September so tell me how I get a summer holiday out of term time. So come on wake up smell the coffee and get in the real world.Working Smoggy

Working Smoggy wrote:
This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.

Teachers had no say in this law.

OK it was the MPs then who also have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer

[quote][p][bold]studio[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Working Smoggy[/bold] wrote:
This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.[/p][/quote]Teachers had no say in this law.[/p][/quote]OK it was the MPs then who also have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payerWorking Smoggy

thehogman wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom

I agree with most of this statement. It is a parents responsibilty to provide their child with an education all be it in a school environment or home. And it is every childs right to be given the best possible advantage they possibly can. All children's behaviour is learned behaviour and this lax attitude that I will take my child out of school flout the rules be fined and possibly end up with a criminal record. Is teaching them it is acceptable to break the law and school isnt all that important.

Parents who want a fairer deal should be looking to the government to govern the holiday companies not to inflate prices for people who book school holidays. The holiday companies who offer to pay fines are making the issue worse. Maybe if enough people boycotted the travel companies they would stop taking advantage of the working class family

[quote][p][bold]thehogman[/bold] wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom[/p][/quote]I agree with most of this statement. It is a parents responsibilty to provide their child with an education all be it in a school environment or home. And it is every childs right to be given the best possible advantage they possibly can. All children's behaviour is learned behaviour and this lax attitude that I will take my child out of school flout the rules be fined and possibly end up with a criminal record. Is teaching them it is acceptable to break the law and school isnt all that important.
Parents who want a fairer deal should be looking to the government to govern the holiday companies not to inflate prices for people who book school holidays. The holiday companies who offer to pay fines are making the issue worse. Maybe if enough people boycotted the travel companies they would stop taking advantage of the working class familyhasanopinion

Working Smoggy wrote: This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.

Teachers had no say in this law.

OK it was the MPs then who also have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer

Ateast they have to pay the high prices for holidays too!

[quote][p][bold]Working Smoggy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]studio[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Working Smoggy[/bold] wrote: This rule has been introduced by MP's and school teachers/authorities both of which have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer. Unfortunately they don't live in the real world where holidays have to be juggled around work commitments, add to this a working mum and dad planning holidays is not easy. Family time and holidays are an important part of child's education as it shows them the value of working hard so you can enjoy the good times together. My opinion is don't take children out of school when they have exams etc. but if there is nothing special on take the holiday and enjoy the reason we work hard and that is to have quality family time.[/p][/quote]Teachers had no say in this law.[/p][/quote]OK it was the MPs then who also have long summer holidays paid for by the tax payer[/p][/quote]Ateast they have to pay the high prices for holidays too!studio

My children are aged between 8 and 19 and none of them have been abroad. The usual holiday being a weekend away, every year, leaving after school on the Friday and only having Monday off. This year we were fortunate enough to have saved enough for a holiday abroad, costing us £4,300 in the Easter holidays. If we had gone a week after they had gone back to school it would have cost £2,100. This year I couldn't take a holiday in term time, even if I wanted to, but I will not pay that price again. Who would went they could get 2 holidays instead of one?

My argument being, if you have never been abroad on holiday before and have saved £2k, it could be a choice between going in term time or not going.I know which one I would choose. If that child is never off usually (or only has a couple of sickness days) what is the harm for a week.

I had heard a while back that schools had said that children need to go on holiday to experience different cultures, ways of life, places etc. I believe this all adds to a childs learning process. Learning doesn't have to be restricted to a classroom.

This is my story-
My children are aged between 8 and 19 and none of them have been abroad. The usual holiday being a weekend away, every year, leaving after school on the Friday and only having Monday off. This year we were fortunate enough to have saved enough for a holiday abroad, costing us £4,300 in the Easter holidays. If we had gone a week after they had gone back to school it would have cost £2,100. This year I couldn't take a holiday in term time, even if I wanted to, but I will not pay that price again. Who would went they could get 2 holidays instead of one?
My argument being, if you have never been abroad on holiday before and have saved £2k, it could be a choice between going in term time or not going.I know which one I would choose. If that child is never off usually (or only has a couple of sickness days) what is the harm for a week.
I had heard a while back that schools had said that children need to go on holiday to experience different cultures, ways of life, places etc. I believe this all adds to a childs learning process. Learning doesn't have to be restricted to a classroom.sarahd

Myself and my husband work full time with 2 kids aged 9 & 11. Trying to get time off work whilst the kids are off school is a nightmare on its own! My kids are at west park and trying to get them 1 day off to attend a funeral was bad enough! Although I won't holiday while the kids are at school and always take holidays when the kids are off school I find the fines ridiculous!

Myself and my husband work full time with 2 kids aged 9 & 11. Trying to get time off work whilst the kids are off school is a nightmare on its own! My kids are at west park and trying to get them 1 day off to attend a funeral was bad enough! Although I won't holiday while the kids are at school and always take holidays when the kids are off school I find the fines ridiculous!Lovemyself

I can see value in both sides of the argument, however people saying, "a week won't hurt" need to remember that this must be a sufficiently large problem that these fines were brought in in the first place.

Fair enough, if you own child misses one week, this may not be an issue in their learning, but consider the implication on the class as a whole when child A misses 2 weeks, child B is off for a few days during this period, then child C goes off for a week, child D etc etc....

I imagine that the cumulative problem of having several children off all at different points during the term would be very disruptive to lesson planning and the learning environment in the classroom.

Also consider that some children have supportive parents who might take homework on holiday with them, ensuring that the child doesn't fall behind, other children may not have this support. Some children may have the ability to catch up on missed work quickly, but other children do not learn as fast. Obviously you can't tell one child they can go on holiday because they are quick to learn but tell another child they can't because they'll lag behind for the rest of the year!

I think there is a tendency to get caught up in your own personal experience or a particular case that seems unfair - but people need to remember that there is a bigger picture in all of this.

Having said that, I really think that if the government is going to enforce this they should also stop holiday companies from charging inflated prices during the holidays!

I can see value in both sides of the argument, however people saying, "a week won't hurt" need to remember that this must be a sufficiently large problem that these fines were brought in in the first place.
Fair enough, if you own child misses one week, this may not be an issue in their learning, but consider the implication on the class as a whole when child A misses 2 weeks, child B is off for a few days during this period, then child C goes off for a week, child D etc etc....
I imagine that the cumulative problem of having several children off all at different points during the term would be very disruptive to lesson planning and the learning environment in the classroom.
Also consider that some children have supportive parents who might take homework on holiday with them, ensuring that the child doesn't fall behind, other children may not have this support. Some children may have the ability to catch up on missed work quickly, but other children do not learn as fast. Obviously you can't tell one child they can go on holiday because they are quick to learn but tell another child they can't because they'll lag behind for the rest of the year!
I think there is a tendency to get caught up in your own personal experience or a particular case that seems unfair - but people need to remember that there is a bigger picture in all of this.
Having said that, I really think that if the government is going to enforce this they should also stop holiday companies from charging inflated prices during the holidays!53664337

The obvious answer is to give teachers back the use of discretion. This allows for parents to take children out once a year for a holiday but prevents bad parents taking children out of school at the drop of a hat.
I have worked in schools in the past and certain children are always off…usually on a Monday or Friday after mum/dad has been on a night out drinking the night before or I hate to say it but travelling families who take the children out for long periods of time. These children are at a massive disadvantage and teaching staff can see it happening and it’s so frustrating. I haven’t met a teacher who didn’t care about each and every one of their pupils and even in the early stages of schooling if they regularly miss lessons they do fall behind and often stay behind.
Give the teachers the discretion to allow a certain number of authorised days off per year for a family holiday/wedding etc. It’s only sensible.

The obvious answer is to give teachers back the use of discretion. This allows for parents to take children out once a year for a holiday but prevents bad parents taking children out of school at the drop of a hat.
I have worked in schools in the past and certain children are always off…usually on a Monday or Friday after mum/dad has been on a night out drinking the night before or I hate to say it but travelling families who take the children out for long periods of time. These children are at a massive disadvantage and teaching staff can see it happening and it’s so frustrating. I haven’t met a teacher who didn’t care about each and every one of their pupils and even in the early stages of schooling if they regularly miss lessons they do fall behind and often stay behind.
Give the teachers the discretion to allow a certain number of authorised days off per year for a family holiday/wedding etc. It’s only sensible.pixie4612

A recent TV Quote by NUT schools, representative, Quote *** Children missing school,**** results in, inconsistent and ****haphazard attendance and is surely is bad for education, be that as it may.......so does this also ?, apply to irregular, **inconsistent and haphazard school appearances by many teachers via ***recurring STRIKES, Teacher Training days, ****'Too much snow, cannot get to School'. AND ****School Heating broken down (not again) too cold to teach. etc, etc, etc, etc, (the list is endless with some).

A recent TV Quote by NUT schools, representative, Quote *** Children missing school,**** results in, inconsistent and ****haphazard attendance and is surely is bad for education, be that as it may.......so does this also ?, apply to irregular, **inconsistent and haphazard school appearances by many teachers via ***recurring STRIKES, Teacher Training days, ****'Too much snow, cannot get to School'. AND ****School Heating broken down (not again) too cold to teach. etc, etc, etc, etc, (the list is endless with some).railwaygrafter

thehogman wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom

Guess you have a job that allows holidays during the school holiday time? there are many of us where that is not an option. I work away from home, I left home late May and will not return until early September so tell me how I get a summer holiday out of term time. So come on wake up smell the coffee and get in the real world.

Exceptions to all scenarios, and I accept your valid point and predicament, however my concern is the disruption of childrens education by parents who only have their own interests at heart and not their kids future: they are taking their children out of school to save money and nothing else; they should budget for the expense

[quote][p][bold]Working Smoggy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]thehogman[/bold] wrote:
When a child takes time off from school they miss vital and structural parts of each and every lesson they should have attended, the knock on effect is they are then at a disadvantage in that learning process. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their children have the best chance possible of being successful; education is the key to that success. Children do not ask to be born, most were born because of their parents desire to have children, therefore parents owe their offspring everything (including a proper education) Give your children the best chance of success by encouraging learning and support their education in it’s entirety, stop disrupting the learning process, stop pretending you are doing it for the kids and then dig deep and take and pay for holidays in holiday periods allocated by schools. Likewise stop using teachers strikes as a comparison, it is not the same at all; when and if teachers strike they are not losing the learning process, measly suspending it for a day or so then they pick up where they started on their return to the classroom[/p][/quote]Guess you have a job that allows holidays during the school holiday time? there are many of us where that is not an option. I work away from home, I left home late May and will not return until early September so tell me how I get a summer holiday out of term time. So come on wake up smell the coffee and get in the real world.[/p][/quote]Exceptions to all scenarios, and I accept your valid point and predicament, however my concern is the disruption of childrens education by parents who only have their own interests at heart and not their kids future: they are taking their children out of school to save money and nothing else; they should budget for the expensethehogman

My goodness does everything have to be the teachers' fault
1. Teachers' are not that important that they make set the laws.
2. Teachers' do not get the amount of holidays you think. I broke up last Wednesday and have been in school everyday since then and will be there again tomorrow.
3. Teachers' are taxpayers and you do not pay their wages, they earn them.
4. We don't have a choice about our holidays so have to pay the over inflated prices whenever we go on holiday.
5. Teacher training days are just what they say they are. If teacher didn't keep up to date with current changes, then your children wouldn't learn new techniques, ideas or developments.
6. We don't make the rules, close schools or work 9-3 so stop blaming everything on us and look at the bigger picture.

My goodness does everything have to be the teachers' fault
1. Teachers' are not that important that they make set the laws.
2. Teachers' do not get the amount of holidays you think. I broke up last Wednesday and have been in school everyday since then and will be there again tomorrow.
3. Teachers' are taxpayers and you do not pay their wages, they earn them.
4. We don't have a choice about our holidays so have to pay the over inflated prices whenever we go on holiday.
5. Teacher training days are just what they say they are. If teacher didn't keep up to date with current changes, then your children wouldn't learn new techniques, ideas or developments.
6. We don't make the rules, close schools or work 9-3 so stop blaming everything on us and look at the bigger picture.blueyes49

Imagine that - a 3 month prison sentence and a 2 grand fine for daring to take your kids out of school during term time for a holiday.

The Loonies really have taken over the asylum.

Imagine that - a 3 month prison sentence and a 2 grand fine for daring to take your kids out of school during term time for a holiday.
The Loonies really have taken over the asylum.thetruthyoucanthandlethetruth

The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?

The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?Brothheed

At the end of the day the reality is (even since the 195Os), both Education and the standard of teaching also the time children actually get *****taught*******in school has gone DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. To further compound the misery our finest schools from years ago were all but destroyed by the left wing LABOUR PARTY, to be replaced by comprehensive pitys, whereby many children can hardly read or write after virtually 16 Years of so called education. Thanks to NUT and Co.

At the end of the day the reality is (even since the 195Os), both Education and the standard of teaching also the time children actually get *****taught*******in school has gone DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. To further compound the misery our finest schools from years ago were all but destroyed by the left wing LABOUR PARTY, to be replaced by comprehensive pitys, whereby many children can hardly read or write after virtually 16 Years of so called education. Thanks to NUT and Co.railwaygrafter

Brothheed wrote:
The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?

Because I didn't fancy it and people don't chose their careers because it's "easy" What a stupid statement

[quote][p][bold]Brothheed[/bold] wrote:
The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?[/p][/quote]Because I didn't fancy it and people don't chose their careers because it's "easy" What a stupid statementJukeboxJulie

It's the travel companies that should be fined for over pricing holidays when the kids are off.

I never ever took my kids on holiday during holiday times we simply couldn't hav afforded, there was no fine back then
and it doesn't seemed to have affected them they both work have good jobs.

It's the travel companies that should be fined for over pricing holidays when the kids are off.
I never ever took my kids on holiday during holiday times we simply couldn't hav afforded, there was no fine back then
and it doesn't seemed to have affected them they both work have good jobs.harry2

My daughter is a full time working single parent with 2 children. I took them on holiday for a treat in term time as I couldn't afford it in the holidays. Had I not done this they would never go on holiday and my daughter wouldn't get a break from her daily financial struggles. She is now being threatened with a fine. To take money off her would be taking food off her table ... Disgraceful!!

My daughter is a full time working single parent with 2 children. I took them on holiday for a treat in term time as I couldn't afford it in the holidays. Had I not done this they would never go on holiday and my daughter wouldn't get a break from her daily financial struggles. She is now being threatened with a fine. To take money off her would be taking food off her table ... Disgraceful!!JukeboxJulie

harry2 wrote:
It's the travel companies that should be fined for over pricing holidays when the kids are off.

I never ever took my kids on holiday during holiday times we simply couldn't hav afforded, there was no fine back then
and it doesn't seemed to have affected them they both work have good jobs.

The travel companies would just level the prices out over the whole year so as not to lose money. That would mean term time prices would go up and school holidays would come down. Then you would get an uproar from people without kids... It's a no win situation really

[quote][p][bold]harry2[/bold] wrote:
It's the travel companies that should be fined for over pricing holidays when the kids are off.
I never ever took my kids on holiday during holiday times we simply couldn't hav afforded, there was no fine back then
and it doesn't seemed to have affected them they both work have good jobs.[/p][/quote]The travel companies would just level the prices out over the whole year so as not to lose money. That would mean term time prices would go up and school holidays would come down. Then you would get an uproar from people without kids... It's a no win situation reallyJukeboxJulie

Not every parent has the same school holidays as their children. Especially those in some retail sectors, when Summer is their busiest time; So think the schools should be allowed to give some leeway to them! Though I think some parents just take the biscuit, and want to take their kids out of school term so they can have more than one holiday!!!

Not every parent has the same school holidays as their children. Especially those in some retail sectors, when Summer is their busiest time; So think the schools should be allowed to give some leeway to them! Though I think some parents just take the biscuit, and want to take their kids out of school term so they can have more than one holiday!!!sablepoot1967

Wish I had £60 for every time a teacher never turned up to teach my children .Magistrates need something better to do - how about fining local authority for not providing a safe bully free environment for our precious children .
Thought not if teachers don't like it - move on give some young graduates a chance !

Wish I had £60 for every time a teacher never turned up to teach my children .Magistrates need something better to do - how about fining local authority for not providing a safe bully free environment for our precious children .
Thought not if teachers don't like it - move on give some young graduates a chance !Equity1

I think these figures should be handed to Government and there should be laws where travel companies aren't allowed to increase prices in school holidays.
I disagree with argument about teachers striking - they don't want to strike, but they have to fight for what they should be entitled to... Another matter for Government! And we should support them when they do strike, after all, our children spend more hours under their care than they do under ours!
I think a way forward would be to look at children as individuals and take into account their usual attendance and their achievements/results in school. That way children are in effect being rewarded for the rest of the year.

I think these figures should be handed to Government and there should be laws where travel companies aren't allowed to increase prices in school holidays.
I disagree with argument about teachers striking - they don't want to strike, but they have to fight for what they should be entitled to... Another matter for Government! And we should support them when they do strike, after all, our children spend more hours under their care than they do under ours!
I think a way forward would be to look at children as individuals and take into account their usual attendance and their achievements/results in school. That way children are in effect being rewarded for the rest of the year.sweetie-cee

Teachers are also tax payers.
Teachers didn't make these rules (as this article states) and the strikes they go on are to do with children's education - making sure they are taught by qualified people and pensions, which is a fair enough strike. They don't get paid when they strike and have to make up time missed with the children. And training days are to train the teachers, how can people complain about that?!
Finally, teachers have to wait for school holidays to take their own children on holiday , they can't just take 2 weeks off work and take their own children out and simple pay a fine.

Teachers are also tax payers.
Teachers didn't make these rules (as this article states) and the strikes they go on are to do with children's education - making sure they are taught by qualified people and pensions, which is a fair enough strike. They don't get paid when they strike and have to make up time missed with the children. And training days are to train the teachers, how can people complain about that?!
Finally, teachers have to wait for school holidays to take their own children on holiday , they can't just take 2 weeks off work and take their own children out and simple pay a fine.Kjldm12

I have heard from teachers, parents etc.We all agree that the education of our children is very important.To bring another angle,I dont have children but part of my taxes goes to providing education, and soon school dinners,to other peoples children.I have no issue with this as years ago I benefitted.I hope that idea that someone else is paying for a child to be educated might be taken into consideration in this arguement.

I have heard from teachers, parents etc.We all agree that the education of our children is very important.To bring another angle,I dont have children but part of my taxes goes to providing education, and soon school dinners,to other peoples children.I have no issue with this as years ago I benefitted.I hope that idea that someone else is paying for a child to be educated might be taken into consideration in this arguement.Edmondsley

Brothheed wrote:
The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?

Because I didn't fancy it and people don't chose their careers because it's &quot;easy" What a stupid statement

Why/How is it a stupid statement? As we go through our education as teenagers we are given a choice of where we want progress onto our working lives, fair enough if you didn't fancy it, but dont knock those that do, we should support those teachers as they encourage our children to progress to better themselves to what they want to do in future, also I am NOT a teacher in case you're wondering

[quote][p][bold]JukeboxJulie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Brothheed[/bold] wrote:
The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?[/p][/quote]Because I didn't fancy it and people don't chose their careers because it's "easy" What a stupid statement[/p][/quote]Why/How is it a stupid statement? As we go through our education as teenagers we are given a choice of where we want progress onto our working lives, fair enough if you didn't fancy it, but dont knock those that do, we should support those teachers as they encourage our children to progress to better themselves to what they want to do in future, also I am NOT a teacher in case you're wonderingBrothheed

I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say.

Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.

I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say.
Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.Herorich

For a one week holiday in term time, is it not very easy to avoid this tax?

Just phone the school on Friday, say little Johnny is really poorly and you don't think he's going to be well for at the least the following week. Done.

If the school has the time, inclination and resources to involve the LEA, police, etc, to investigate your story then I'm sure they will prove he was on holiday, but will they really go to all this trouble just to chase £60 in tax?

For a one week holiday in term time, is it not very easy to avoid this tax?
Just phone the school on Friday, say little Johnny is really poorly and you don't think he's going to be well for at the least the following week. Done.
If the school has the time, inclination and resources to involve the LEA, police, etc, to investigate your story then I'm sure they will prove he was on holiday, but will they really go to all this trouble just to chase £60 in tax?behonest

WOW what a lot of gripes. answer to this problem is simple, if the fine is less that the extra charge dure in holiday time, just pay it and count it as part of the cost of going on holiday, and get on with your lives, and s*d the law.

WOW what a lot of gripes. answer to this problem is simple, if the fine is less that the extra charge dure in holiday time, just pay it and count it as part of the cost of going on holiday, and get on with your lives, and s*d the law.hullgodfreyshire

Lets compile a ******Teacher-attend
ance term and yearly **attendance record,********which would be transparent for all the public to check on a regular basis. . I bet many of the 'Teacher' results for some would astound us all.

Lets compile a ******Teacher-attend
ance term and yearly **attendance record,********which would be transparent for all the public to check on a regular basis. . I bet many of the 'Teacher' results for some would astound us all.railwaygrafter

There seems to be a lot of hatred towards teachers, as said in some previous posts the teachers are not to blame- not once has a teacher taken legal proceedings against a parent against a holiday. This is down to the school/academy trust deselection/ policies. In regards to the comments about training days, which profession doesn't have training days? Surely as parents you would want your children to be given the best opportunities by staff who are up to date on new strategies, curriculum, are certified and correctly qualified to do extra duties. These are identified in advance so they cannot possible cause last minute child care problems! Strike days can be difficult, however why shouldn't teachers strike to maintain their working conditions and to be given a fair pensions for what they pay into and to be given the deal which was there when they started paying into the pensions.

If you want to take your child out of school, whether it's because it is cheaper, because you can't take time off during holidays or for any other reason, the rulings exist so you have to face the penalty, just as if you were to drive in access of the speed limit, is doesn't matter of you can't afford to pay fines, you left the kettle on or you thought that doing 50mph in a 30mph zone wouldn't matter. Thankfully we live in a society which has rules and laws to protect us and a free education system. If you don't like it....

There seems to be a lot of hatred towards teachers, as said in some previous posts the teachers are not to blame- not once has a teacher taken legal proceedings against a parent against a holiday. This is down to the school/academy trust deselection/ policies. In regards to the comments about training days, which profession doesn't have training days? Surely as parents you would want your children to be given the best opportunities by staff who are up to date on new strategies, curriculum, are certified and correctly qualified to do extra duties. These are identified in advance so they cannot possible cause last minute child care problems! Strike days can be difficult, however why shouldn't teachers strike to maintain their working conditions and to be given a fair pensions for what they pay into and to be given the deal which was there when they started paying into the pensions.
If you want to take your child out of school, whether it's because it is cheaper, because you can't take time off during holidays or for any other reason, the rulings exist so you have to face the penalty, just as if you were to drive in access of the speed limit, is doesn't matter of you can't afford to pay fines, you left the kettle on or you thought that doing 50mph in a 30mph zone wouldn't matter. Thankfully we live in a society which has rules and laws to protect us and a free education system. If you don't like it....Robert28

after scanning the comments,i see that 95% are AGAINST the fines....English people really amuse me,they HATE the government they elect once they realise they were lied to ( as usual) yet they REFUSE to accept the concept that we do not and never have had a proper democracy,only the illusion of it.
Your best bet is to take a leaf out of the french's bok and kick off in the streets ( ala poll tax riots) because the psychopathic elites that own your system will not respect you until you give them a bloody nose,writing snotty comments on here won't cut it,they need to be scared of you,then they'll listen,like they did with the poll tax xarry on....but wait a minute,if you protest you might have to get off your fat lazy dufts and miss a bit of telly...you mugs

after scanning the comments,i see that 95% are AGAINST the fines....English people really amuse me,they HATE the government they elect once they realise they were lied to ( as usual) yet they REFUSE to accept the concept that we do not and never have had a proper democracy,only the illusion of it.
Your best bet is to take a leaf out of the french's bok and kick off in the streets ( ala poll tax riots) because the psychopathic elites that own your system will not respect you until you give them a bloody nose,writing snotty comments on here won't cut it,they need to be scared of you,then they'll listen,like they did with the poll tax xarry on....but wait a minute,if you protest you might have to get off your fat lazy dufts and miss a bit of telly...you mugsjayrob

Herorich wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say.

Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.

School closures in winter are for health and safety reasons, the health and safety of the children mainly, education isn't a glorified child minding service.

[quote][p][bold]Herorich[/bold] wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say.
Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.[/p][/quote]School closures in winter are for health and safety reasons, the health and safety of the children mainly, education isn't a glorified child minding service.Theodorepwildebeast

Brothheed wrote:
The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?

Because I didn't fancy it and people don't chose their careers because it's &quot;easy" What a stupid statement

Why/How is it a stupid statement? As we go through our education as teenagers we are given a choice of where we want progress onto our working lives, fair enough if you didn't fancy it, but dont knock those that do, we should support those teachers as they encourage our children to progress to better themselves to what they want to do in future, also I am NOT a teacher in case you're wondering

I'm not against teachers (I'm generally very supportive; I know their job isn't easy), but the idea that you can't criticise a profession unless you're a member really is ridiculous.

You don't need to be a politician to criticise them for breaking promises or spending public cash on their properties for profit.
You don't need to be a banker to criticise their huge bonuses, so soon after their institutions almost crashed.
You don't need to be a councillor (or local government CEO) to criticise them for cutting the wages of the low level staff while protecting their own (and their many directors') salaries.

[quote][p][bold]Brothheed[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]JukeboxJulie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Brothheed[/bold] wrote:
The way some people think it's the teachers that just do what they want here's my question to them, If teachers have it as easy as you think then why didn't you chose to go into teaching as a profession when you left school?[/p][/quote]Because I didn't fancy it and people don't chose their careers because it's "easy" What a stupid statement[/p][/quote]Why/How is it a stupid statement? As we go through our education as teenagers we are given a choice of where we want progress onto our working lives, fair enough if you didn't fancy it, but dont knock those that do, we should support those teachers as they encourage our children to progress to better themselves to what they want to do in future, also I am NOT a teacher in case you're wondering[/p][/quote]I'm not against teachers (I'm generally very supportive; I know their job isn't easy), but the idea that you can't criticise a profession unless you're a member really is ridiculous.
You don't need to be a politician to criticise them for breaking promises or spending public cash on their properties for profit.
You don't need to be a banker to criticise their huge bonuses, so soon after their institutions almost crashed.
You don't need to be a councillor (or local government CEO) to criticise them for cutting the wages of the low level staff while protecting their own (and their many directors') salaries.christophano

Hehe, I find it ironic that the people who agree with pulling their children out of school seem to have a lot of spelling mistakes.

As for the prices, its not some conspiracy, it is simply supply and demand. But I love how people justify it with, well they learn more going abroad or the experience is amazing and teachers strike sometimes so we should be allowed. If I was a comedian and you'd had a few drinks, you'd be agreeing with me now and laughing.

If you going to do it, accept it's wrong and pay the fine.

Hehe, I find it ironic that the people who agree with pulling their children out of school seem to have a lot of spelling mistakes.
As for the prices, its not some conspiracy, it is simply supply and demand. But I love how people justify it with, well they learn more going abroad or the experience is amazing and teachers strike sometimes so we should be allowed. If I was a comedian and you'd had a few drinks, you'd be agreeing with me now and laughing.
If you going to do it, accept it's wrong and pay the fine.theWorkerScum

Bring back our British sacred GRAMMER SCHOOLS which left wing Labour destroyed. Recruit new Grammer School Teachers who can attend work on a consistent regular basis. Sack these NUT Strikers who are forever striking at the least petty thing.....then you will see a massive improvement in Childrens Education.. (For those who have not been taught a KID in the English dictionary is NOT a Child but a young goat.

Bring back our British sacred GRAMMER SCHOOLS which left wing Labour destroyed. Recruit new Grammer School Teachers who can attend work on a consistent regular basis. Sack these NUT Strikers who are forever striking at the least petty thing.....then you will see a massive improvement in Childrens Education.. (For those who have not been taught a KID in the English dictionary is NOT a Child but a young goat.railwaygrafter

railwaygrafter wrote:
A recent TV Quote by NUT schools, representative, Quote *** Children missing school,**** results in, inconsistent and ****haphazard attendance and is surely is bad for education, be that as it may.......so does this also ?, apply to irregular, **inconsistent and haphazard school appearances by many teachers via ***recurring STRIKES, Teacher Training days, ****'Too much snow, cannot get to School'. AND ****School Heating broken down (not again) too cold to teach. etc, etc, etc, etc, (the list is endless with some).

Fool.

How many times, you cant blame the teachers for this. its not there law.

[quote][p][bold]railwaygrafter[/bold] wrote:
A recent TV Quote by NUT schools, representative, Quote *** Children missing school,**** results in, inconsistent and ****haphazard attendance and is surely is bad for education, be that as it may.......so does this also ?, apply to irregular, **inconsistent and haphazard school appearances by many teachers via ***recurring STRIKES, Teacher Training days, ****'Too much snow, cannot get to School'. AND ****School Heating broken down (not again) too cold to teach. etc, etc, etc, etc, (the list is endless with some).[/p][/quote]Fool.
How many times, you cant blame the teachers for this. its not there law.studio

Herorich wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say. Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.

Go back to Germany. know the facts then judge.

[quote][p][bold]Herorich[/bold] wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say. Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.[/p][/quote]Go back to Germany. know the facts then judge.studio

Our fine Grammar Schools, the pride of Britain and envy of world destroyed by the left wind Labour Party and what did we get in there place, *****common***** sausage machine comprehensives, churning out many young people who can hardly read or write after nearly 16 YEARS of supposed education. Many second class schools with third class teachers.

Our fine Grammar Schools, the pride of Britain and envy of world destroyed by the left wind Labour Party and what did we get in there place, *****common***** sausage machine comprehensives, churning out many young people who can hardly read or write after nearly 16 YEARS of supposed education. Many second class schools with third class teachers.railwaygrafter

Research today has show that 99 per cent of Post 16 Year olds are abysmal at any DIY (Do it yourself) Skills, i.e. The basic wiring of a three point plug and/or fixing a basis washer to a water tap, etc, etc, etc, compared with years ago when most youngsters were taught properly with regard to these basic DIY Skills and they call it Further Education today....Shocking and pathetic. and recently someone said, Us ***elbow grease**** and guess what they thought it was only a plastic product buyable from the local supermarket and to think Britain was once the engineering mega industrial 'A to Z workshop' of the world, enough to make you weep with pity and frustration.

Research today has show that 99 per cent of Post 16 Year olds are abysmal at any DIY (Do it yourself) Skills, i.e. The basic wiring of a three point plug and/or fixing a basis washer to a water tap, etc, etc, etc, compared with years ago when most youngsters were taught properly with regard to these basic DIY Skills and they call it Further Education today....Shocking and pathetic. and recently someone said, Us ***elbow grease**** and guess what they thought it was only a plastic product buyable from the local supermarket and to think Britain was once the engineering mega industrial 'A to Z workshop' of the world, enough to make you weep with pity and frustration.railwaygrafter

Generally agree with fines when the kids are in secondary school especially closer to the GCSEs etc. But primary school? I cannot remember anything important I learned in primary school. The kids would probably learn more by going on holiday especially overseas

Generally agree with fines when the kids are in secondary school especially closer to the GCSEs etc. But primary school? I cannot remember anything important I learned in primary school. The kids would probably learn more by going on holiday especially overseasToto the Inflamed

theWorkerScum wrote:
Hehe, I find it ironic that the people who agree with pulling their children out of school seem to have a lot of spelling mistakes. As for the prices, its not some conspiracy, it is simply supply and demand. But I love how people justify it with, well they learn more going abroad or the experience is amazing and teachers strike sometimes so we should be allowed. If I was a comedian and you'd had a few drinks, you'd be agreeing with me now and laughing. If you going to do it, accept it's wrong and pay the fine.

If you going to do it?

You mean "if you're going to do it" surely?

I take it you were taken out of school quite a bit as a youngster too?

[quote][p][bold]theWorkerScum[/bold] wrote:
Hehe, I find it ironic that the people who agree with pulling their children out of school seem to have a lot of spelling mistakes. As for the prices, its not some conspiracy, it is simply supply and demand. But I love how people justify it with, well they learn more going abroad or the experience is amazing and teachers strike sometimes so we should be allowed. If I was a comedian and you'd had a few drinks, you'd be agreeing with me now and laughing. If you going to do it, accept it's wrong and pay the fine.[/p][/quote]If you going to do it?
You mean "if you're going to do it" surely?
I take it you were taken out of school quite a bit as a youngster too?Risk555

Herorich wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say. Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.

Go back to Germany. know the facts then judge.

Please clarify which facts exactly I have got wrong? The school refuses to administer paracetamol and instead insists a child stays off school when completely unnecessary - FACT. Many schools close when it snows FACT. Teacher strikes despite good pay, working conditions, generous public pension (still) and twice as much holiday as everyone else - FACT. Despite all the school holidays, additional days for training - FACT.
In fairness, the fines have been legislated by Government, but completely without school, governor, teacher lobbying?

[quote][p][bold]studio[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Herorich[/bold] wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say. Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.[/p][/quote]Go back to Germany. know the facts then judge.[/p][/quote]Please clarify which facts exactly I have got wrong? The school refuses to administer paracetamol and instead insists a child stays off school when completely unnecessary - FACT. Many schools close when it snows FACT. Teacher strikes despite good pay, working conditions, generous public pension (still) and twice as much holiday as everyone else - FACT. Despite all the school holidays, additional days for training - FACT.
In fairness, the fines have been legislated by Government, but completely without school, governor, teacher lobbying?Herorich

railwaygrafter wrote:
Bring back our British sacred GRAMMER SCHOOLS which left wing Labour destroyed. Recruit new Grammer School Teachers who can attend work on a consistent regular basis. Sack these NUT Strikers who are forever striking at the least petty thing.....then you will see a massive improvement in Childrens Education.. (For those who have not been taught a KID in the English dictionary is NOT a Child but a young goat.

If you go back to your dictionary you will find it's 'grammar' school!

[quote][p][bold]railwaygrafter[/bold] wrote:
Bring back our British sacred GRAMMER SCHOOLS which left wing Labour destroyed. Recruit new Grammer School Teachers who can attend work on a consistent regular basis. Sack these NUT Strikers who are forever striking at the least petty thing.....then you will see a massive improvement in Childrens Education.. (For those who have not been taught a KID in the English dictionary is NOT a Child but a young goat.[/p][/quote]If you go back to your dictionary you will find it's 'grammar' school!marilyn49

Toto the Inflamed wrote:
Generally agree with fines when the kids are in secondary school especially closer to the GCSEs etc. But primary school? I cannot remember anything important I learned in primary school. The kids would probably learn more by going on holiday especially overseas

stupid statement. how are you reading this article or making stupid comments if you did not learn anything in primary school? primary school is the very foundation of our school life, you learn not only to read and write but important learning skills, social skills and how to follow rules. the rules that parents are teaching their children are okay to flout because they want to go on holiday. trivialising it like that proves your thought process ended in primary school.

[quote][p][bold]Toto the Inflamed[/bold] wrote:
Generally agree with fines when the kids are in secondary school especially closer to the GCSEs etc. But primary school? I cannot remember anything important I learned in primary school. The kids would probably learn more by going on holiday especially overseas[/p][/quote]stupid statement. how are you reading this article or making stupid comments if you did not learn anything in primary school? primary school is the very foundation of our school life, you learn not only to read and write but important learning skills, social skills and how to follow rules. the rules that parents are teaching their children are okay to flout because they want to go on holiday. trivialising it like that proves your thought process ended in primary school.hasanopinion

Kjldm12 wrote:
Teachers are also tax payers.
Teachers didn't make these rules (as this article states) and the strikes they go on are to do with children's education - making sure they are taught by qualified people and pensions, which is a fair enough strike. They don't get paid when they strike and have to make up time missed with the children. And training days are to train the teachers, how can people complain about that?!
Finally, teachers have to wait for school holidays to take their own children on holiday , they can't just take 2 weeks off work and take their own children out and simple pay a fine.

Some taxpayer has to give them their money, such that a public sector worker can pay tax, NIC's, have a pension, pay their element

Teachers would have no money, be able to pay tax, or have a pension, if it was not down to the private taxpayer

[quote][p][bold]Kjldm12[/bold] wrote:
Teachers are also tax payers.
Teachers didn't make these rules (as this article states) and the strikes they go on are to do with children's education - making sure they are taught by qualified people and pensions, which is a fair enough strike. They don't get paid when they strike and have to make up time missed with the children. And training days are to train the teachers, how can people complain about that?!
Finally, teachers have to wait for school holidays to take their own children on holiday , they can't just take 2 weeks off work and take their own children out and simple pay a fine.[/p][/quote]Some taxpayer has to give them their money, such that a public sector worker can pay tax, NIC's, have a pension, pay their element
Teachers would have no money, be able to pay tax, or have a pension, if it was not down to the private taxpayerspragger

This is all very scary. With all the hostility and misunderstanding, towards teachers, displayed in these comments I fear for education. Our children will only reach their full potential if ALL stakeholders work together. It appears to me that a number of parents are instinctively trigger-happy when it comes to any subject linked to teachers e.g. They are always off sick, lazy, work shy, in it for the holidays, unable to drive through snow etc,etc………….
. How can that attitude best serve our kids?

Get your facts straight, support the teachers to support our kids and stop the hostility.

This is all very scary. With all the hostility and misunderstanding, towards teachers, displayed in these comments I fear for education. Our children will only reach their full potential if ALL stakeholders work together. It appears to me that a number of parents are instinctively trigger-happy when it comes to any subject linked to teachers e.g. They are always off sick, lazy, work shy, in it for the holidays, unable to drive through snow etc,etc………….
. How can that attitude best serve our kids?
Get your facts straight, support the teachers to support our kids and stop the hostility.Curlyroaster

Herorich wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say. Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.

Go back to Germany. know the facts then judge.

Please clarify which facts exactly I have got wrong? The school refuses to administer paracetamol and instead insists a child stays off school when completely unnecessary - FACT. Many schools close when it snows FACT. Teacher strikes despite good pay, working conditions, generous public pension (still) and twice as much holiday as everyone else - FACT. Despite all the school holidays, additional days for training - FACT.
In fairness, the fines have been legislated by Government, but completely without school, governor, teacher lobbying?

You are anti teacher aren't you? Your facts aren't completely wrong just very generalised, if not a little sarcastic and unfair. Students can take paracetemol if the parent sends them in to the school and give consent. FACT.The schools don't close at the first sniff of sleet but they do close to students when there is snow but this is often because food wagons can't get in so there is no food to feed the kids therefore schools are not fulfilling there duty of care. Imagine the bashing you could give teachers if the schools didn't feed the kids. The staff often still have to go in. FACT. It is not just teachers that can't get into work when the snow is bad, many businesses had to run a skeleton staff during the bad winter 4 years ago including mine. FACT. Not all teachers strike .FACT. Good working conditions?. FACT. Additional days for training? Does this constitute a day off?, it is factored into the curriculum. FACT.

[quote][p][bold]Herorich[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]studio[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Herorich[/bold] wrote:
I took my 7 yr old daughter out of school for the last week of term as we went on a family holiday touring Germany and Luxemburg. We both have busy jobs and this was the only time we could get jointly. I am quite satisfied she learned and experienced far more than from a week in class - especially the last week of school which incorporated toy day, films and rehearsals for a show in which my daughter had a single word to say. Considering the strikes, training days, insisting they stay off school rather than administrating even paracetamol for v minor illness and closing at the frist sniff of sleet (amazing how everyone but teachers can manage to get to work even after also having to arrange emergency child care) find the idea of fines reprehensible. If I recieve a fine, hell will freeze over before I pay it - out of principle.[/p][/quote]Go back to Germany. know the facts then judge.[/p][/quote]Please clarify which facts exactly I have got wrong? The school refuses to administer paracetamol and instead insists a child stays off school when completely unnecessary - FACT. Many schools close when it snows FACT. Teacher strikes despite good pay, working conditions, generous public pension (still) and twice as much holiday as everyone else - FACT. Despite all the school holidays, additional days for training - FACT.
In fairness, the fines have been legislated by Government, but completely without school, governor, teacher lobbying?[/p][/quote]You are anti teacher aren't you? Your facts aren't completely wrong just very generalised, if not a little sarcastic and unfair. Students can take paracetemol if the parent sends them in to the school and give consent. FACT.The schools don't close at the first sniff of sleet but they do close to students when there is snow but this is often because food wagons can't get in so there is no food to feed the kids therefore schools are not fulfilling there duty of care. Imagine the bashing you could give teachers if the schools didn't feed the kids. The staff often still have to go in. FACT. It is not just teachers that can't get into work when the snow is bad, many businesses had to run a skeleton staff during the bad winter 4 years ago including mine. FACT. Not all teachers strike .FACT. Good working conditions?. FACT. Additional days for training? Does this constitute a day off?, it is factored into the curriculum. FACT.Curlyroaster

I could never and would never ask to do the job of a teacher. the hard work and dedication that goes into providing an education that follows government guidelines when the government constantly change these guidelines is hard enough. but doing so to class of thirty children all of varying abilities, in a safe environment whilst parents constantly criticise is just the tip of the amount of pressure teachers face every day. people need to stop looking at the black and white. children might be there from 8.45 til 3.15. but add breakfast clubs, after school clubs, the staff meetings, research, planning and marking on top of that. teachers dont get to switch off for very long in a working day at all. teachers do not have the same amount of holidays as the children they do work throughout holidays too otherwise extra holidays are unpaid. parents need to stop giving teachers a hard time and appreciate they do a job we could NEVER accomplish at home.

I could never and would never ask to do the job of a teacher. the hard work and dedication that goes into providing an education that follows government guidelines when the government constantly change these guidelines is hard enough. but doing so to class of thirty children all of varying abilities, in a safe environment whilst parents constantly criticise is just the tip of the amount of pressure teachers face every day. people need to stop looking at the black and white. children might be there from 8.45 til 3.15. but add breakfast clubs, after school clubs, the staff meetings, research, planning and marking on top of that. teachers dont get to switch off for very long in a working day at all. teachers do not have the same amount of holidays as the children they do work throughout holidays too otherwise extra holidays are unpaid. parents need to stop giving teachers a hard time and appreciate they do a job we could NEVER accomplish at home.hasanopinion

here is an idea for the government. keep the summer holidays and Christmas as is but cancel all other school holidays. keep bank holidays and allow parents to chose 3 weeks of family holidays a year. this means children can have up to three week authorised absence and parents can book holidays when ever they want and the greedy travel companies cannot inflate prices for February April May and October holidays and children will actually have more school days (in theory). HOWEVER you are then going to be faced with the possibility that your child will be behind on important school work which will need to be caught up on and teachers are also going to be requiring time off for their family time which means your child maybe forced to have a supply teacher for up to three weeks a year which can also be detrimental to your childs education.

here is an idea for the government. keep the summer holidays and Christmas as is but cancel all other school holidays. keep bank holidays and allow parents to chose 3 weeks of family holidays a year. this means children can have up to three week authorised absence and parents can book holidays when ever they want and the greedy travel companies cannot inflate prices for February April May and October holidays and children will actually have more school days (in theory). HOWEVER you are then going to be faced with the possibility that your child will be behind on important school work which will need to be caught up on and teachers are also going to be requiring time off for their family time which means your child maybe forced to have a supply teacher for up to three weeks a year which can also be detrimental to your childs education.hasanopinion

Can we revert back to proper English Grammar School Teaching. ............ For example instead of use the daft expression, Quote, **THIS POINT IN TIME***, can people not use the common sense **short more appropriate word, ***NOW or **AT PRESENT****. As regards winter time *******HOW IS IT ?******** That Police, Ambulance, Firemen, Factory Workers, Shopworkers etc, etc, etc, all manage to get to work in winter snow but many Teachers, time and time again, say they CANNOT ?.

Can we revert back to proper English Grammar School Teaching. ............ For example instead of use the daft expression, Quote, **THIS POINT IN TIME***, can people not use the common sense **short more appropriate word, ***NOW or **AT PRESENT****. As regards winter time *******HOW IS IT ?******** That Police, Ambulance, Firemen, Factory Workers, Shopworkers etc, etc, etc, all manage to get to work in winter snow but many Teachers, time and time again, say they CANNOT ?.railwaygrafter

During the winter can parants get some kind of compensation when a School is closed because Teachers are unable to get in when there is a light dusting of snow even when everybody else in the country still attends work>

During the winter can parants get some kind of compensation when a School is closed because Teachers are unable to get in when there is a light dusting of snow even when everybody else in the country still attends work>Magic Steve

Re Winter School (most recorded excuse) NON -Teacher attendance, I just hope we don't get the repetitive favourite ones........... (1) The School grounds are thick with snow (two and a half inches), I cannot park my car. (Refer to School caretaker then to shovel the snow away, if there is one). .....(2) The School Heating system (Boiler and or central heating systems have broken down). ...Heck not again, again and again..

Re Winter School (most recorded excuse) NON -Teacher attendance, I just hope we don't get the repetitive favourite ones........... (1) The School grounds are thick with snow (two and a half inches), I cannot park my car. (Refer to School caretaker then to shovel the snow away, if there is one). .....(2) The School Heating system (Boiler and or central heating systems have broken down). ...Heck not again, again and again..railwaygrafter